Smart ForTwo supermini scores 4-star rating in Euro NCAP crash test

Despite its diminutive size the Smart Fortwo supermini has achieved a four out of five star rating in the latest Euro NCAP’s Adult Occupant crash tests, putting it in par with some large sedans and SUVs in terms of occupant safety. The same can’t be said for pedestrian safety, where the tiny Fortwo scored only two stars.

The tests include front, side and pedestrian impacts, and since the Fortwo has no rear seats it can’t be assessed for child protection. In the Front Impact test, the passenger cell remained stable during the impact. Structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger.

For the side test, the dummy’s head contacted the rubber window trim, leading to a high deceleration. However, the data recorded by the dummy suggested an adequate level of head protection. A side impact airbag to protect the chest and the head is available as an option but was not fitted to the test vehicle.

The bumper scored maximum points for the protection it offered to pedestrians’ legs but the car lost points because the front edge of the bonnet offered no protection for a pedestrian’s head.